View of a lake, dock, boats and green wooded area.

Dock and boat rentals

If peace and solitude are part of your summer plan, no place could be better than the quiet, hidden jewel, known as Hamburg State Park. The site has more than 700 acres, including a picturesque 225 acre lake, which is  fed by the winding waters of the Little Ogeechee River.

This is one of the most remote state parks in Georgia located just outside of the village of Mitchell, and a special place that blends history with a multitude of outdoor adventure possibilities. The old gristmill by itself would be enough to send anyone back in time, but this park also has a corn sheller from the 1920s and an Eli Whitney original cotton gin. It’s definitely one of the best state parks in Georgia, and certainly one of the most underrated!

A view with tall green trees and water flowing through an old Grist mill.

The old grist mill

Soon after the American Revolutionary War, Richard Warthen built one of the first mills in this area at the site of the current Hamburg Mill. During the 1820s, the town of Warthen was built by the Warthen family … therefore, the Hamburg State Park is deeply entwined with this family.

Modern-day facilities are mixed with reminders of the past offering an eclectic view of history and outdoor recreation. The campground has shaded sites along the edge of the serene Hamburg Lake providing hot showers, water, electric hookups and a dump station. The park has aquacycles, canoes and kayaks for rent so that anglers can enjoy fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and bream on the water or land lovers can use the fishing pier. The lake is beautiful and fishing is great, but don’t swim in the waters because alligators are always present!

A closeup view of an osprey on a tree branch.

An Osprey

Wildlife enthusiasts might look for turtles, alligators, raccoons, deer, birds and numerous other animals that live within the park. Hamburg State Park also boasts more than three miles of walking trails to explore.

This is a great place to escape for camping, fishing, hiking, history or simply serenity and nature. The camp sites are kept very clean and the staff is friendly. There are brick and mortar bathrooms with showers, each campsite has water and electricity for RV hookups and there is a small country store for some needed items. Memories made at Hamburg State Park will never be forgotten!

For more information or reservations, go to their website at: www.gastateparks.org/hamburg.

Photos: by Bill Vanderford